ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 10/10/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — Energizer’s power-on-the-go products made their debut at the IFA Consumer Electronics Global Trade Show in Berlin last month.

The lineup includes the portable charger line’s new design; the SP1001 solar charger; the AP750, which adds extra talk time for almost any micro-USB smartphone; the AP1201 for the iPhone 4, a silicone rubber case with built-in rechargeable battery; and the XP2000K and XP1000K travel kits, which offer all-in-one portable power for the home, car and all points in between.

SC Johnson is enhancing its Scrubbing Bubbles line with an easy-to-use toilet bowl cleaner. New One Step toilet bowl cleaner is a foot-activated, hands-free toilet cleaner that helps keep the toilet clean for 30 days, SC Johnson said. It is recommended that consumers use the product twice a day. The suggested retail price is $9.99 for the starter kit and $3.99 for each refill.

Swiffer has updated its products with high-definition technology to offer a deeper clean. Swiffer dry cloths, Swiffer dusters and Swiffer WetJet solution with HD Clean technology currently are available nationwide.

Greeting card publisher Designer Greetings announced the launch of more than 13 new collections for 2011, including Exposé, Designer Boutique, Faithfully Yours, ChitChat, Milestone Age Birthday, Celebrating Family, To Life! and 4 Kidz, as well as new designs for the company’s Blank Cards collection.

Energizer has expanded its portfolio with its new line of Energizer Universal USB chargers and cables, as well as the addition of the Energizer Single Zone inductive charger to its line of Qi-enabled products launched last year.

The Energizer USB wall and car chargers offer a convenient and compact way to power electronic devices. The wall charger, which has fold-down plug and is designed so that it won’t block the second outlet, is available on two power levels: one for devices up to 5 watts, such as smartphones and MP3 players, and one for 10-watt devices, such as the iPad.

The USB wall and car chargers work with USB cables that already come with smartphones, MP3 players and other handheld electronics, but Energizer also offers a full range of charging cables for those who prefer to keep an extra cable in a second location: the Energizer Micro and Mini USB charging cables and the Energizer Dock Connector USB cable for the iPad, iPhone and iPod. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the universal USB chargers range from $9.99 to $24.99.

The new Energizer Single Zone inductive charger, which is a smaller version of the original that debuted in fall 2010, features a slim-line rectangle design with one charging area that can wirelessly power any Qi-compatible device up to 5 watts. According to Energizer, Qi enables chargers and devices to communicate with one another, regardless of the manufacturer. The SRP for the Energizer Single Zone is $54.99.

“We know consumers rely on devices like smart phones and tablets in a variety of different places and for different reasons, so we’re delivering a range of options that suit different devices, lifestyles and needs,” said Michelle Atkinson, Energizer’s VP marketing for North America.

Energizer will demonstrate its new products at MobileFocus during CTIA Wireless from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. today at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina.

Walmart makes Facebook marketing move

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Increased localization of shopper marketing efforts at Walmart is now possible via Facebook following the retailer’s announcement that it would create approximately 3,500 store-specific Facebook pages to serve its nearly 9.5 million fans.

Walmart chief marketing officer Stephen Quinn said the move was an example of the company’s ongoing effort to engage with and listen to customers who desired a more localized experience on Facebook.

“Our innovative approach with Facebook allows us to bridge the gap between local and social, giving millions of customers the personalized shopping experience they expect from Walmart,” Quinn said.

More specifically, Walmart will use Facebook to communicate information about the availability of new products, rollbacks and in-store events, which can vary from store to store.

According to the company, the “My Local Walmart” Facebook application will provide locally-relevant information on everything from new electronics to hot Rollbacks, store maps and continue to illustrate the brand’s commitment to creating a deeper relationship with people in the communities it serves.

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